Hagerstown, MD (January 12, 2010) - Officials with the Washington County Health Department (WCHD) in partnership with the Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) will begin providing intranasal seasonal influenza vaccinations, more commonly known as "FluMist," for elementary school children. This vaccination program was originally planned to begin in October 2009. Due to the prevalence of H1N1 influenza among residents of the county, the Seasonal "Flu Mist" was put on hold so that the health department could provide H1N1 vaccine to elementary school children.

The availability of Federal Immunization Stimulus funding has given the WCHD the ability to provide these vaccines free of charge. Participation in the program is strictly voluntary, and students must receive parental permission prior to receiving the vaccine.

Parents or legal guardians must return a signed consent form to the school if they want their child to be vaccinated. The Washington County Health Department nursing staff expects to begin administering vaccine on January 12 and continue through the month. Some children may require a second dose to be administered at least one month after the first dose. The school system will provide the parents with another consent form for the second dose. Parents or guardians with questions about their child's medical eligibility for the vaccine may contact their healthcare provider or their school nurse.